Braxton Craven Fellows

The James B. Duke Society

The James B. Duke Society recognizes those individuals who have followed the example and generosity of Duke University's founder, James B. Duke, by continuing his vision through involvement and support, and by providing cumulative gifts exceeding $100,000, pledged or paid, to all areas of Duke University.

Benefits

Members of the James B. Duke Society are invited to Duke's annual donor recognition celebration. In addition, members are given special access to health care services and appointments at Duke Medicine.

Braxton Craven Fellows

Recognizing Duke's most generous supporters

The Braxton Craven Fellows is a tier of the James B. Duke Society honoring friends whose extraordinary commitment and leadership have helped transform Duke, just as President Braxton Craven transformed Union Institute into Trinity College, and whose generous support of the university totals $1 million or more, pledged or paid.

Benefits

Discounts on services through Duke Integrative Medicine, a healing environment that combines the best scientific medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies, and Duke Executive Health, a program that provides comprehensive physical assessments and helps individuals learn how to stay healthy despite a demanding lifestyle.

Access to director’s previews and exclusive events at the Nasher Museum of Art and discounts and VIP tickets to all Duke Performances.

Hotels discounts include:

The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club—an award-winning hotel built in the style of an old English country inn and nestled on a 300-acre site adjacent to Duke’s West Campus.

The JB Duke Hotel - having just opened in January 2017, is a full service contemporary hotel located on Duke’s Campus offering state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities through the Thomas Executive Conference Center. This is an ideal setting for meetings, conferences, corporate retreats, and social events alike.

King’s Daughters Inn—a seventeen-room boutique bed and breakfast decorated in the styles of the 1920s, adjacent to Duke’s East Campus.

Greystone Inn—a converted mansion and the last standing private residence built by Duke family descendants, located in downtown Durham.

To take advantage of Braxton Craven Fellows discounts and to make reservations for services or stays, please contact the Donor Relations staff at 919-613-5225 or braxtoncravenfellows@dev.duke.edu.

About Braxton Craven

Braxton Craven was born in 1822 in rural Randolph County, North Carolina. Adopted by a Quaker family, he later converted to the Methodist Church and focused on religion and education as a means of personal betterment. Almost exclusively self-taught, Craven gained influence in the community by teaching school and preaching on Sundays. When he could no longer afford to attend the nearby Quaker school, he returned home and helped organize the growing Union Institute. At the age of 20, Braxton Craven became its leader.

Before his death in 1882, Craven had Union Institute chartered by the legislature, changing the name first to Normal College and then to Trinity in recognition of the support of the Methodist Church. His leadership helped the school overcome the after-effects of the Civil War. A dedicated scholar and educator, Craven taught subjects as diverse as languages, metaphysics, law, and biblical literature. He also helped students find the money to attend school, recognizing that financial need should not be an obstacle to obtaining a quality education. For 40 years, Craven presided over the institutions that would ultimately become Trinity College, and his selection of the motto Eruditio et Religio has stood the test of time and still defines the character of Duke University.

Duke University’s reputation as an entrepreneurial institution has its roots in the 19th century in Braxton Craven, the first president of Trinity College. Much like Duke’s leaders and supporters of modern times, Braxton Craven stepped up when most needed, finding resources in difficult times and working to shape and continually improve a school he treasured.

Help ensure that the Duke education, research and
programs you care about continue.